More letters to the editor: 10/25

Vote Row D or E in Hyde Park

As active Democrats in our community, we have been pleased to see the way our Ward 4 Councilman Ken Schneider and Supervisor Aileen Rohr calmly tackled the financial chaos they inherited, while still taking the time to listen to and learn about residents' most pressing issues. We cheered as we watched the recent meeting where auditors gave our Town Board's 2012 financial report a clean bill of health, saying they expect Hyde Park's bond rating to improve.

Schneider and Rohr also haven't ducked long-standing problems with some of our water and sewer districts, and have been sensible about costs vs. benefits in explaining what solutions might exist. That deep level of involvement alone shows how hard they are willing to work for our citizens, as it's hardly the stuff of headlines. (Though in terms of headlines, it's also been wonderful to see Hyde Park getting positive press instead of what we endured before).

Last-minute Board of Elections shenanigans will keep Ken off the Democratic line he won unanimously at our July caucus. Join us, fellow Democrats and residents of Ward 4, to keep Ken Schneider in office, along with Rohr and Rich Perkins for Dutchess Country legislator and vote Row D or E. It will take a bit longer to look down the ballot, but the seconds could be the key to two more years of progress for our town.

Loretta and Jack Newman

Hyde Park

Elect Ann Boehm to lead Hyde Park

Ann Boehm is the right choice for Hyde Park town supervisor! We need someone with background and knowledge of municipal finances. Ann offers many years of experience with an extensive background in government. As taxpayers and during this tough economy we need to put someone in office that is mindful of the taxpayers and will look for ways to reduce taxes and streamline our local government to make it run more efficient. Please join me in voting on Nov. 5. Ann Boehm is the right choice for Hyde Park.

Barb Hogan

Hyde Park

Elect Wetherbee to Beacon City Council

I am writing to support Pam Wetherbee, Beacon City Council candidate for Ward 3. As a resident of the City of Beacon, I have had the privilege of knowing Pam Wetherbee and her family for over 24 years as a neighbor and a friend. During that time, Pam and her husband have raised three beautiful daughters in the Beacon City School District. Pam has been a passionate volunteer within the community, schools and church. Pam was instrumental in the implementation of the noise ordinance in the City of Beacon bringing the residents and the City Council together. Pam has been an advocate for the quality of life in our neighborhood and will be a strong voice for the residents of Ward 3 and the City of Beacon.

Pam's dedication and leadership is necessary to bring the City of Beacon forward; she will be a tremendous asset to the Beacon City Council. I urge all Beacon residents of Ward 3 to vote for Pam Wetherbee.

Joan Hill

Beacon

Democrats left out of debate planning

In the past, the League of Women Voters conducted Dover candidates debates. This year, without our knowledge, a debate was planned for Oct. 17. How did we find out? In an advertisement placed by the Republican candidates in the Oct. 4 edition of a new mailer some of us are receiving titled, "Hudson Valley Hornet." On Oct. 2, I received a notice in my junk email and it was resent on Oct. 3 as a certified letter. It was invitation to the Democratic candidates to attend the scheduled debate. My initial reaction was this must be some sort of mistake as neither I nor our candidates had any prior knowledge of this.

As chair of the Dover Democratic Party, I have in the past fully supported debates sponsored by a nonpartisan organization and moderated by the League of Women Voters. Their process prevents the appearance of impropriety. The league was not included; the event was planned and advertised without any input or verification of availability from the Democratic slate.

It's a shame. Had I been informed, I would have been willing to work with a nonpartisan sponsor of the event. I believe in this time of political bickering on the federal and state level that local politics should set the standard. We should be above board in our dealings with one another because after all, we are neighbors. It doesn't serve our community well and in the end our community will suffer for it.

Sloan Haughton

chairwoman,

Dover Democratic Committee

Dover

Support Rubenstein for Family Court

I am writing in full support of Lisa Rubenstein to become the next Family Court judge in Dutchess County. I have known Lisa personally and professionally for more than 20 years.

As a former court attorney working in the courts of this county for many years, I had the pleasure of having Lisa appear before me when she was in private practice and always found her to be a dedicated and ethical advocate for her clients.

More recently, I was fortunate to serve along with her in Family Court, where I witnessed her abilities firsthand. She was consistently fair and empathetic and demonstrated an ability to listen and weigh all sides of very complicated and often emotionally charged issues.

I urge the voters of Dutchess County to look beyond party lines and elect the most qualified candidate to this critically important position.

Adina Gilbert-Longcore

Red Hook

Elect Strawinski to county Legislature

We have known Micki Strawinski all of our lives. She was our mother's best friend for nearly 50 years and during the last year of our mother's life, Micki spent many days and nights keeping her company during her treatment for leukemia and assisting her with chores around her apartment. Micki was at her side when our mother died on Aug. 25 and it brought us great comfort to know that our mother was not alone.

We have known Micki to be kind and generous but we also know her to be articulate, confident and someone who does her homework. When our mother had an issue with a landlord, and because of her knowledge of the laws, Micki presented information in court that resulted in not only getting our mother out of an uninhabitable apartment but prompting the judge to demand payment from the landlord in excess of what was being asked for!

On another occasion, one of us was fortunate to have Micki as an advocate at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, assisting in securing much-needed academic support.

We do not live in her district but would encourage the people of Red Hook and Tivoli to vote for Micki. You will be greatly served with Micki Strawinski as your Dutchess County legislator.

Jeanine, Joseph and Jennifer Kupiec

Poughkeepsie

Joel Tyner listens to residents' concerns

I'm writing to endorse Joel Tyner as legislator for northern Dutchess County. Joel is tireless in listening to citizen concerns and proposing new and innovative solutions to civic problems, including local job creation. It's a pity that his Republican opponent has not agreed to any debates because I have no idea who they are. I don't agree with Joel on every issue, but I cherish his willingness to be among the voters and his activism for improving Dutchess County. Big changes will be needed as county expenses go up and tax revenues don't keep pace. We need every public official that is willing to think broadly and creatively. Joel Tyner is such a public official.

Cate Long

Rhinebeck

Support MacAvery for Legislature

I will be voting for Alison MacAvery for Dutchess County legislator on Nov. 5. I hope you will, too, and this is why: Alison has more than 20 years of business experience and she considers issues with a view on how outcomes will affect the bottom line. That is a real positive for us taxpayers. Alison also has the legislative experience and the ability to work across the aisle. That's what we need to get things done in government today. I am a Republican but I will cast my vote for Alison. You can, too. If you can't vote on the Democratic line then vote for her on the Independence, Conservative or Dutchess Strong lines.

Susan Malouf

Fishkill

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More letters to the editor: 10/25

Vote Row D or E in Hyde ParkAs active Democrats in our community, we have been pleased to see the way our Ward 4 Councilman Ken Schneider and Supervisor Aileen Rohr calmly tackled the financial chaos